Massage has been in use for thousands of years for a variety of health purposes. Massage therapists commonly recommend drinking water after a massage, and the intent is to help the body flush out toxins.
Functions of Water in Body
Water is used for a variety of functions in the body, such as moistening tissues and protecting internal organs, dissolving nutrients to be absorbed by the body, lubricating joints and regulating body temperature. Water is important because it makes up about 60 percent of your body. In addition to the functions listed above, water helps the kidneys flush out waste products as well as help in oxygen transport to the cells of the body.
Daily Water Needs
The human body needs water on a daily basis, and the amount depends on the body composition of the individual as well as the activity level. Water is lost daily through perspiration, breathing, urine and during bowel movements. Proper body function requires replenishment of the water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water. Massage may cause a person to perspire, and the movement of blood through the tissues may cause an increase in toxins that need elimination. Massage therapists base their recommendations on the body's daily need for water and its importance in the proper functioning of the body.
What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?
Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." That's about 1.9 liters, which isn't that different from the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.
Staying safely hydrated
Generally, if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow your fluid intake is probably adequate. Although uncommon, it is possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (mineral) content of the blood is diluted, resulting in low sodium levels in the blood, a condition called hyponatremia. Endurance athletes, such as marathon runners who drink large amounts of water, are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who eat an average American diet.
